Brampton council needs a temperment test

OK, this was too much fun...

I took the temperament test for Brampton council. Try it for yourself here.

Result FAILURE!

You may be a sociopath and must seek help. You are pig headed and refuse to admit when you are wrong. You have a strong affinity to harm innocent animals and may be a danger to yourself and other innocent creatures. You should do the world a favor and remove yourself from humanity at once.  

Did you know that the American Pitbull Terrier passed temperament testing 85.3% of the time! That is 83.5% better than Brampton council!

So I was reading an article over at the Brampton Guardian this evening. They are saying the "City has hired a pitbull lawyer"! What in hell is a "pitbull" lawyer?

Is it a lawyer that specifically deals in "pitbulls"?
Is it a lawyer that likes to persecute "pitbulls" or "pitbull" owners?
Or is it a lawyer that acts like a "pitbull", whatever this supposed creature acts like?
Is it a lawyer that believes in Guilty Until Proven Innocent?
Is it a lawyer that believes there IS such a thing as a "pitbull"?

Maybe the city of Brampton should have hired MAG Counsel Robert Charney?

MAG Counsel Robert Charney at Remedy Arguments June 28, 2007, Superior Court of Justice:
"...This law was enacted to prevent 'pit bull' bites - not  dog bites in general'.
"...There is no such thing as a 'pit bull', Your Honour."

I dunno... I ain't no stinkin' expert.. cause there ain't any such thing as a breed expert in the business of cross bred dogs either... but these don't look like no stinkin' "pitbulls" to me???*&@$#

 

Britany left, Rambo right

Let's see.. 

Here is a Great Dane

       Source

Boxer

 

      Source  

American Bulldog

 

             Source

American Staffordshire Terrier

Brampton breed checker

Anyway, here is the article that was in the Brampton Guardian today. Thanks  to the Guardian for your unbiased reporting. You have obviously researched and fact checked and usually I don't use those two phrases in the same sentence as main stream media reporting. h/t to you!

City hires pitbull lawyer

The City of Brampton has hired a Toronto lawyer to help defend the seizure of two dogs last month.
Barnet Kussner of the firm Weirfoulds is on the case for the city, and that has one of the canines’ owners feeling like the underdog.
“Personally, I feel like it’s David versus Goliath,” said Rui Branco, whose family owns Brittany, one of two dogs held by the city since Jan. 13. Weirfoulds specializes in advisory work for municipal and other governments in all areas including contracts, land use planning and development.
Branco said with no other option to try to get the dogs home, he will take the city to court, but no one will win because he has to pay his own legal bills, and, as a resident of Brampton, his tax money will also be used to pay for the city’s lawyer.
“The taxpayers lose. I lose, being a taxpayer and also paying for my attorney. Most of all, the poor dogs lose because they are in captivity throughout the proceedings, which I understand can take months.”
Branco and Maria Gaspar, whose family owns Rambo, insist the dogs are boxer/American bulldog crosses, but the city has labelled them pitbulls and taken them from their separate homes. The families have not been allowed to visit them at the animal shelter.
Branco is concerned about the dogs’ health and well-being because they are being kept away from their families and kept in cages.
“I don’t care how much walking or attention the shelter or city says those dogs are getting, they have to be locked up because of liability issues and manpower issues at least 22 hours a day,” Branco said.
The families say a city Animal Control Officer seized the dogs without a warrant, adding they were intimidated into turning over the dogs when police arrived on Branco’s doorstep.
Attorney General spokesperson Brendan Crawley pointed to the Dog Owner’s Liability Act (DOLA) on the issue of seizure. The DOLA indicates a warrant is needed to seize a dog from a home. Seizure without a warrant is possible only if “... it would be impracticable to obtain a warrant because of exigent circumstances...exigent circumstances include circumstances in which the peace officer has reasonable grounds to suspect that entry into any building, receptacle or place, including a dwelling house, is necessary to prevent imminent bodily harm or death to any person or domestic animal.”
Dogs can also be seized in a public place under DOLA: www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/html/statutes/english/elaws_statutes_90d16_e.htm.

Excellent video montage of Ontario's breed ban

h/t Tie Doggi

Brampton protest had 200 in support of Brittany and Rambo's owners

From the Brampton Guardian

“We want to let the citizens of Brampton know what their tax dollars are going to— to support a system that is not in the best interest of animals,” said Ciaron Lewis, Peel resident and animal rights advocate who organized the weekend protest.

Follow this link to view the video from yesterdays rally in Brampton. Rui Branco (Brittany's owner) was interviewed by the Brampton Guardian. The city of Brampton has denied both owners access to their dogs by either dog experts or veterinarians.  The dog owners are trying to get Brampton council to look into this case further. So far the city has dug in their heels and stuck to their Neanderthal ways in keeping both dogs on death row. The placement on death row is not because of any wrong doing, but based on their own flawed, so called "breed identification process". Animal control seized both dogs as a result of trolling the neighborhood conducting their witch hunt. They spotted Rambo standing on top of his dog house, in his own fenced in backyard. No complaints were ever made against either dog.

Dog protesters rally

 From the Brampton Guardian February 20, 2010

Close to 200 protesters rallied outside Brampton City Hall Saturday afternoon to support the release of Brittany and Rambo, two dogs— alleged by the city to be pitbulls— who were seized from their homes Jan. 13.

Supporters say the city’s actions, and bylaws, are largely flawed and together with the dogs’ owners challenge the city’s lineage assessment of Brittany and Rambo. Rui Branco, owner of Brittany, is prepared to fight the city in court to prove the two dogs (who are brother and sister) are boxer/American bulldog crosses.
The protest was planned to keep the pressure on the city and to drum up support from local politicians.

“The mayor, city councillors...are stating legally they can’t interfere because it’s before the courts, but a court date hasn’t yet been set,” explained Branco, who is leading the fight against the city. “I’m hoping what will happen today is that cooler heads will prevail.”
Branco said if the matter does go to court, he’s optimistic about the outcome; he’s confident he’ll “overwhelm” the city with documentation and expert opinions proving the dogs are not pitbulls.
Protesters, however, fear the city will continue to tear dogs away from their families until municipal legislation changes. Brampton’s bylaw currently defines a pitbull as a pitbull terrier, Staffordshire bull terrier, American Staffordshire bull terrier, American pitbull terrier, or “a dog that has an appearance and physical characteristics that are substantially similar to those dogs.”

The city’s initial plan was to euthanize the dogs— but Branco stepped in with a lawyer to fight for the return of both families’ dogs.
Picketers carried signs reading “Stop the mass murder of mutts” and “When we kill any innocent being we lose our humanity.” One advocate carried a megaphone and played the recorded message “City of Brampton hear our cries, why do good dogs have to die?”.
“We want to let the citizens of Brampton know what their tax dollars are going to— to support a system that is not in the best interest of animals,” said Ciaron Lewis, Peel resident and animal rights advocate who organized the weekend protest.

Sarnia resident Graham Emslie made the trek to Brampton to show his support. As a pitbull owner, he can sympathize. “We want to try to get those two dogs back to their homes, and then get an amendment to the bylaw,” he said.

John Perlanski of Brampton feels the city’s actions are “excessive”, and the drastic measures applied to Brittany and Rambo will only perpetuate and escalate public fear about pitbulls.

The two dogs have been in the care of a municipal animal shelter, where city spokesperson Gordon Smith said the canines are in good care. The families, as well as their pets’ veterinarians, have been refused visitation.

The protest ran from roughly noon to 3 p.m.

Daddy, the ambassador for "pitbulls" passed on at age 16

 

Rest peacefully sweet old guy. You were an ambassador for dogs targeted by media hype worldwide. You were a constant companion and sidekick to Ceasar Millan, who has been a strong advocate for dogs in general and especially dogs given an unfair bad wrap. 

Please visit the memorial page to read a tribute to Daddy.

Deepest condolences to the Millan family.

Westminster Dog Show last night tonight

I am so excited!

The terrier group is on tonight. I love watching the whole show but love my terriers! I just finished watching the streaming video for the American Staffordshire Terriers.

Here is the link if you are interested.

The winner of the best of breed for the AST is:

Ch Castle Rock's Sbigstaff Mad About You
Breed: American Staffordshire Terrier
Sex: Bitch
AKC: RN 16977601
Date of Birth: July 05, 2008
Breeder: Laszlo Silz Nagy & Dayna Pesenti
Sire: Ch Castle Rock's CA Blue Stars
Dam: Dea Of Fianna
Owner: Genoa Brown & Dayna Pesenti

Congrats to you! 

We'll be armchair cheering for you during group tonight! You go girl!

Go Canada! Gold for Alex Bilodeau!

Canada's Alexandre Bilodeau wins GOLD in men's moguls at the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics February 14, 2010.

 

Go Canada!!

 

 

Rally for the release of Brittany and Rambo

Event: Rally for the Release of Brittany and Rambo

When: Saturday, February 20 at 12:00pm.

Start Time: Saturday, February 20 at 12:00pm

End Time: Saturday, February 20 at 3:00pm

Where: Brampton City Hall - 2 Wellington Street West, Brampton, ON

To see more details and RSVP, follow this link on facebook

Also check out www.saveontariodogs.com

Here is a link to a poster that may be printed and displayed anywhere you may go. Please help spread the word about this absolute outrage.

Mind bogglling isn't it?

Mind boggling how city officials or animal control departments can justify their actions when ripping dogs away from loving and caring owners. Animal control officers that actually still believe you can identify the breed makeup of cross bred dogs, not in the usual cute guessing game at the pound, but for certain.

Identify as in "your dog is "X" breed and "X" breed therefore we have a right to slaughter him".

Not because the dog is a threat. In fact your dog could be;

obedience trained
CGN certified (Canine Good Neighbor)
participate in dog sports
participate in therapy work
go to daycare facilities
go to dog parks
or be the best damn dog you ever owned

But if Animal Control happen to be driving by, spot your dog in your own yard, behind your own secure fence, but "think" it may be a "pitbull" (which doesn't exist! it is a catch all phrase for mutts of unknown origin or pariah dogs) they can violently rip it out of your home and place him/her on the slaughter list.

What in hell is wrong with that picture?

Don't we always preach, train, contain and socialize your dog. If you do those things, you are a responsible dog owner.

None of these aspects were being broken. Nowhere in the rules of responsible dog ownership does it state to keep your dog well out of sight and hidden away if you cannot prove what breed/s he/she is. In fact it is highly counter productive to keep your dog locked away from the outside world. This creates frustration and confusion for dogs due to their social nature. Dogs need socialization with people and other animals to teach them how to behave.

I suppose every dog owner in Brampton is now wondering if they should leave the house or let their dog out in their own yard, or walk their dog in daylight if their dog was born after Nov, 2005. Remember purebreds (registered and certified) dogs only make up approximately 20% of the dog population as a whole. The other 80% have no way of proving breed. This includes dogs that have been sold as "purebred" but do not come with registration papers. This is illegal, by the way, but we have all witnessed dogs sold under these pretenses.

Chicobandido and KC Dog Blog have excellent recent articles on this issue. Please give them a read!

City of Brampton took out a full page ad in Guardian

The city of Brampton is making an attempt to give "their side" of the story by taking out a full page ad in the Brampton Guardian.

Feb 12/10

City had no choice but to seize dogs: commissioner

On behalf of the City of Brampton, I am writing to clarify the circumstances surrounding two dogs, Brittany and Rambo, currently being looked after by the City’s Animal Shelter. I would also like to correct some of the misinformation about why these family pets have come under our care.
The Province of Ontario’s Dog Owners’ Liability Act, 2005 has been hotly debated since it was first introduced. Under the legislation, identified pit bulls born prior to November 29th, 2005 are considered “legal” pit bulls in Ontario. The law also says that these dogs must be spayed, neutered, microchipped, registered and licensed annually by the City. Pit bulls born after November 29, 2005 are considered “illegal” under the provincial law.
Rambo and Brittany, the two dogs currently at the Animal Shelter were both born after November 2005 and are, therefore, considered illegal pit bulls under the provincial law. As a result, both dogs were taken into care by the city on Jan. 13. Once in the care and custody of our Animal Services, the legislation is very clear about what can and cannot be done with the dogs. Both the owners and the City are now faced with limited options about how to proceed. At the heart of this issue is whether the dogs are pit bulls.
Many of you will have read that the families have called for the return of their dogs, as they contend that Rambo and Brittany are not pit bulls. Even though the provincial legislation does not provide an appeal route for resolving this issue, the City approached the families’ lawyer last week to see if a mediated settlement was possible.
Unfortunately, the City could not reach an agreement with the families’ lawyer on the details of how this mediated process would work. The City’s offer remains open to the owners but, regretfully, the City anticipates that the family may seek an application before the Ontario Superior Court to argue that their dogs are not pit bulls and should be returned.
Readers should know that in instances where legal action is pending, as in the case with Rambo and Brittany, city staff and elected officials are unable to comment.
As we move forward, I want to assure everyone that Rambo and Brittany will continue to receive the highest level of care at our Animal Shelter. The dogs have been, and will continue to be, examined by an independent veterinarian to ensure their health and well being.
Throughout this process, we have understood that this is a sensitive issue involving family pets. It is our hope that the information in this letter has helped to set the record straight. We know that Brampton residents care deeply for their family pets, and that issues like this must be thoughtfully and cautiously considered.
We stand behind our Animal Services staff – they provide an important and compassionate service in our city.
Our team takes enormous pride in how we approach and interact with every family and their pet. This case has been no exception.

Jamie Lowery
Commissioner, Community Services

So, where is the clarification why the dogs came into the city of Brampton's care?

The fact of the matter is; Brampton obviously thinks any dog born after November 29, 2005 is a "pitbull".

The city of Brampton threw away all rights to use the words "sensitive" and "compassionate" when the AC department nabbed these two dogs while out on a trolling maneuver.

There is nothing "compassionate" about seizing people's loved pets from their homes for no apparent reason other than AC department thought they spotted a notorious "pitbull".

If the city of Brampton is indeed proud of how they have conducted themselves in this outrage of stealing people's pets out of their homes, then I would hate to catch you on a bad day! All the while hiding behind the piece of shit legislation that is vague and strips the rights of dog owners in Ontario. McGuinty and Bryant's masterpiece of death and destruction!

The city of Ottawa declared quite some time ago they were not enforcing the ban but rather dealing with owners of dangerous dogs not by breed or lack thereof. Many other jurisdictions around Ontario have also admitted they are choosing to ignore the flawed, costly and barbaric breed ban. 

The City of Ottawa says it will act when a dog of any breed presents a threat to public safety, but the city is not trying to crack down on pit bull-type dogs because it doesn't have the resources to do so, and the law pertaining to the dogs is difficult to enforce.

Hmm Brampton, are you taking notes? Doesn't it make more sense to leave the mutts alone. You cannot prove the lineage of a mutt and you know that. That leaves the explanation that you are throwing your proverbial weight around exercising the reverse onus, which makes the city of Brampton fully executing a witch hunt.

What on earth would possess you to seize dogs out of loving homes when there were no complaints, no wrong doing, and NO THREAT?

Your swollen pride is through the course of your actions, the self proclamation of being this months #1 dog hating community in Ontario.

Way to hurl Brampton. You should be proud!

Brampton is maintaining the madness

The Toronto Sun had an article today "Dog owners still pitted against animal control".

Brampton simply refuses to listen to common sense and realize they are under no obligation to randomly, so called identify mutts as "pitbulls" and rip them out of loving homes.

For Brittany and Rambo — a couple of dogs labelled as pit bulls — life is, well, the pits.
So say the owners of the dogs, which remain in the custody of Brampton Animal Services, having been seized Jan. 13 on the assumption they’re pit bulls.
Rui Branco, whose brother, Joseph, owns Brittany, says the family vet was denied access by the city to visit the caged animals Tuesday, a day after the city gave permission.
He said it’s a stressful situation for the families because they don’t know what conditions the dogs are living in.
“Monday afternoon, we negotiated with the city that he could come and then at 12:38 p.m. on Tuesday afternoon, they send my lawyer a letter telling us the vet can’t come and the city will provide us with a report on the welfare of the animals,” Branco, 42, said. “They didn’t give us a reason.”